The M6 had to be closed this morning after a car smashed into the central reservation.

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The car involved in the crash. Credit: @CMPG

The popular motorway was closed southbound between Junction 10, for Walsall and Wolverhampton, and Junction nine, for Wednesbury from around 6.30am until 8am.

However drivers are still being urged to avoid that stretch with two lanes still blocked while Highways England carry out barrier repairs and treatment for the spillage. The lane closures are expected to be in place for most of the day.

The damaged barrier. Credit: Highways England

The driver of the red car, which was left completely mangled, suffered minor injuries and was arrested after failing a roadside breath test.

Central Motorway Police Group, which responded to the crash alongside fire and ambulance crews, said the crash 'could have been avoided.